A home tour and prep work before our first official party and great battery light bulbs!

Sugarwood's first official non-family gathering happened and I wanted to share a pre-party home tour and a few things I did to get things ready for a Scotch and Cigar gathering.
Battery operated light bulbs
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[@barbaracarlson1331]

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

[@charlenegoskowicz8220]

It's all lovely, including the garden! I am very sorry for your loss.

[@patriciahazelton672]

First of all I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs coming your way. Thank you for sharing your house brings back good memories for me of all the parties and get togethers my late husband and I held. Miss those days.

[@shirleygardner7456]

Oh my word! Your home should be featured in a magazine. It is absolutely gorgeous. So sorry for your loss. Have a great week.

[@terrytt2932]

I live very rural in the mountains and right after I moved in I had a bat in my living room which my cat graciously pointed out - by staring at it! Not sure how but I easily got it out with all the doors open! That was 3 years ago. A month ago I had 2 more, this time high up on my kitchen vaulted walls. My son assisted with these two and one flew right by my head. When on the walls, they were about the size of a deck of cards but once their wings were spread, they were 10-12 inch span. I wasn't fearful either but didn't want to live with them. My friends say they're not surprised I have bats in my belfry!! ☺

[@newenglandfineliving]

LOL good friends

[@oreosugar9766]

So sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family peace and comfort.🕊

[@Whoishere2333]

So sorry for your loss. You worked long and hard to get your home to this point-can I say perfection has been achieved!

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you 🙏

[@602redroses]

Sorry for your loss. May you all find peace. Your party prep was wonderful You think of everything!

[@annapoole132]

Linda...my heart is with you your family...prayers for peace! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anns8893]

First, I want to send our condolences to your Family. Thank you for another wonderful video again. Your home is looking Beautiful. I do believe Ben has him an excellent wife. Wow everything looked amazing for the party good job Linda, you are so talented. Have a Great Day!

[@djterry1218]

So sorry for your loss. I’m glad everything is coming along nicely.

[@sbarton291]

So sorry for your loss. Loved the tour of the house and it just looks beautiful. My favorite shot had to be Willow curled up on the couch and pillow, my word she looked like a little princess curled up. I'm sure she's happy she has new cushions by the window now! Your party set up looked elegant and Ben must have been proud.

[@KayeCarterTV]

I’m very sorry about your loss. Just want to let you know how much I really love those lamps. Please keep us updated if you have not already on the length of time they last before you have to charge them again. I love those type of battery bulbs, ❤sending hugs, love, prayers, and kindness.❤

[@user-ix1sf9wm8k]

Oh! Linda, your home has a beautiful and welcoming feel. I love watching you and all the energy you have for so much that has come a long way. Your my mentor. I am 77 and I am blessed to have the energy that I do. Every time I watch your videos, I want to decorate like you.

[@jeannegoodness6067]

Sincere sympathy on your loss. Your home looked so welcoming for Ben’s friends. Willow lounging on her pillows, so cute! Methinks she’s the queen of the cottage. Love all your bookcases in your living room. All the food you made looked delicious! Have a great day.

[@emiliagarcia6868]

Good morning Linda 🙋‍♀️ Love the lanterns, so beautiful ❤️😊 Your home 🏡 is beautiful ❤️😊So sorry for your loss, prayers 🙏

[@ginahaynes5596]

Very sorry for your loss. The house & property look Amazing! Would be my dream home! ❤Blessing’s from Bethlehem New Hampshire!

[@veoliaedwards3681]

Loved everything Linda. So sorry for your lost. ❤❤❤

[@glorianelson9538]

The house is looking perfect Linda. I am simply amazed that you were able to take apart that lamp and put it together again. If that was me....I tell you...Glad everyone enjoyed the party! Thank you and have a lovely week!

[@pman2916]

Condolences to you and your loved ones🙏💙 I love how you walked us through your house from the outside. It helps with visioning the layout of your home when you speak about individual rooms. You put on quite an excellent night for the boys.Well done😊

[@donamurphy8182]

Your home is just beautiful and is such a great “party/gathering” home. Beautiful and homey and perfect! Love the onion lamps and ability to hang them anywhere (because you are so inventive and such a great problem solver!) Great video!❤

[@debrahalcrow1933]

Your house is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your tips about potato salad. Your event looks like loads of fun. I have a group called Winey Ladies! Seeing Willow makes my heart sing. Sorry, for your recent loss. ❤

[@newenglandfineliving]

Love that! Winey Ladies LOL

[@margarethess6583]

So sorry for your loss, Linda!

[@sharonlaib1495]

I'm sorry for your loss. Take time away as you need. Your home is perfection, so lovely.

[@janeatkins4187]

So sorry for your loss. Enjoy your videos so much x

[@cindymarie2475]

My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family❤️🙏❤️🌸

[@graceschadt9319]

Deepest sympathy at your time of loss! May beautiful memories sustain you and ease the pain. Sugarwood looks more beautiful with each video.

[@susandelongis885]

Linda, my sympathy is with you and your family. Thank you for taking time and making the effort to post this beautiful video. I hope you’ll now have time to rest and take good care. Your home is a New England treasure. I never noticed before how perfect it is for entertaining. And your decor has pulled together into a warm, welcoming, interesting and absolutely gorgeous whole. Your vision in house and garden is extraordinary, as is your amazing gifts for bringing it to life. I can’t wait to see it decorated for the holidays! Many thanks to you and your family for all you share, truly an inspiration for creating a meaningful, elegant life. 🌷

[@lizannestinson1765]

I am sorry for your loss, may God bless you.

[@rt3box6tx74]

Please accept my condolences. Loved touring your house pre party. My favorite times are last minute prep when I think I have only 3 things left on the list. I'm always so wrong about that.

[@geritavares6031]

I love your home…so sorry for your loss…be well

[@garymcdade4446]

IDEA FOR YOUR GARDEN . . . like you I have moved a lot and one thing you will never regret is planting trees the FIRST year you move into your new home. If you wait two or five years before getting around to planting trees you will feel like you wasted that time because the tree would already be on its way to providing shade. I would suggest that you find a place for a Crepe Myrtle tree. They grow VERY FAST and they come in so many colors of blooms and the leaves are brilliant in the fall and as the tree ages the bark gets more and more lovely for winter interest. I don't think I have seen a Crepe Myrtle in any of the youtube garden channels I watch. After the 1960's fad when every yard had one people became tired of them and grew a little "snobish" about how common they are. People loved them when they first got one and even though they had no idea what they were doing they tried to prune them into a weeping form. So many became hideous with new limbs coming out of big knots where they were wacked off the year before. Then they started neglecting them and you can't do that to a Crepe Myrtle. They get so many shoots growing at the base that they start to look unsightly. Here in Tennessee everyone has stopped pruning them into a weeping shape and allowed them to grow as large as they want. We just prune the bottom to keep a single trunk and they grow into enormous blooming shade trees. It is a tree that is too wonderful to abandon. I am excited to see you transform your new house into a lovely home for your family. --Sheila McDade, Chattanooga, TN

[@newenglandfineliving]

Hi, I'm researching it and it looks like that would not do well in our area.

[@garymcdade4446]

You will love it. The newest color is a deep red but they do not grow as fast as the older colors and I have not seen one that is as tall and strongly limbed as the white.@@newenglandfineliving

[@trisha1076]

Thanks for the update on orders, glad you and all are doing well. I love seeing Willow so happy,relaxed and content. Your home is too lovely for words. Your videos and comments are always a pleasure, thank you.

[@karensmith1243]

My deepest sympathy for your family's loss ❤. Aside from that sad news, I have to tell you that this was one of my favorite videos. The bat on the loose, the onion lights, the prep work for the gathering, the potato salad tip, the bench cushions, and of course WILLOW! I enjoyed every minute! Thank you for sharing 😊.

[@christyluckett439]

I love those light and the whale goes good with THE lights.

[@bev3279]

Linda, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Absolutely love your onion lights!! And Willow on the couch……precious!!

[@marilynrogers2902]

So very sorry for your loss.🙏

[@peggy-ann1961]

I too am sorry you’ve lost a family member. 🙏. The bat was an interesting visitor, especially considering you featured fake ones earlier, how funny! Ben is a lucky hubby to have such a wonderful lady in his life to prepare for the Scotch and Cigars club gathering. How many guys were there? Love the lamps and where you put them! 🇨🇦

[@sherrik9419]

Your home is coming along nicely Linda, you’ve done a terrific job. I love your decor style so cozy, comfortable and inviting.🤗🤗🤗

[@loriholland6431]

My deepest condolences for your loss, Linda. Your home is so beautiful and inviting, and I would say that Willow is the queen of the castle! Thanks for that bit of info on the vintage dogs. I have a collection (I have a couple of the ones you have), and I think I will use them on my table at my next gathering. Have a wonderful week ahead!

[@JD-to5bm]

So sorry for your loss. I’m glad you all have each other to be with. Your home is so amazing! I could look at it for hours.

[@kathyday9066]

Where to begin…most importantly so sorry for your loss. I had a bat in my bedroom in the middle of the night, many years ago. Not brave like you, I was petrified. Your tavern room I just love! The onion lamps and whale are, in my opinion, a perfect addition and something I might have to replicate here on the Cape. It gives a little Nantucket vibe too. Drooling over the bench. Will it stay there? You are definitely the “hostess with the mostest” in my eyes. You stay so calm, cool and collected. Everything looks so beautiful. I am definitely going to try to do a ladies version of this gathering in the form of a “cabin fever” party this winter. Your videos are so inspirational. Thank you.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Hi, Yes, I plan to keep the bench there, as long as I keep the two blue chairs in the dining room ;-). I too want to do a ladies version. They travel each month to a different home.

[@alauraparrish2105]

I'm so very sorry for your loss,,, I'll keep you all in my Prayers. Wow I am still in awe of how your far your gorgeous home has come. I could watch your videos all day if I could. Lol you have done such an amazing job on decorating each room. Thank you Linda for taking us with, I'm so looking forward to seeing more. Many Blessings to you all.

[@katebc9148]

Loves the lamps! Great finds!

[@sandrakelbaugh1681]

So very sorry for your loss....

[@RS-ov2st]

Suggestion,…You need either a sitting bar counter with tavern stools out in front of the drink bar, or small tavern tables, or one table for waiting for your drinks , or to sit and enjoy and mingle in the bar room.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Hi Thanks for the ideas! We do have some seating in the room, but we don't keep things in front of the bar so that we can open the doors to our washer and dryer. It is also too high for bar stools. It is standing height due to the appliances underneath.

[@lianelindsey1407]

I like the way you always think about things, Linda! Love your home- it will love you back! ( Love sweet Willow )❤

[@sylviakettlewell8088]

So sorry for your loss.

[@user-py2kg5lz8w]

So very sorry for your loss.

[@suzieflowers5696]

Beautiful ❤so sorry for your loss

[@judybraunbeck7893]

So sorry for your loss Linda❤

[@vickeypierce293]

So very sorry for your loss

[@jackiel.6410]

So sorry for your loss!! House looks wonderful and it looked like your husband and his friends had a great time.

[@doreen9838]

Sorry for your loss. Your home is looking beautiful!!! Give willow a big hug

[@sharonproctor3085]

Deepest sympathy for your loss.❤

[@christadawnwheeler2696]

Sorry for your loss.

[@debbiegaley2331]

Linda, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers. Another wonderful video! So surprised about that bat… I can’t believe how calm you were. Not me, I would hiding in the beautiful butler’s pantry until Ben got it out! Lol

[@christyluckett439]

So sorry about your Family hope everything is well .God bless

[@VirginiaNeedles-ir1dj]

So sorry for your loss

[@conniedrexler4168]

You asked about the dogs and place settings. Unfortunately I don’t know anything about those little dogs used in that way. They are very beautifully made though. I do something similar with Hummel figurines. I have always loved them and they used to be so expensive. Now sometimes I find them for as little as $5 when thrifting so I have a nice little collection. The colors of the Hummels are very beautiful and are fall colors. I often try to match the figurine to the person. My brother is a cellist and I put out the cello figurine for him. My niece likes cats, so I have a cat one for her. My Mom plays the double bass and I put out the bass one for her. My Dad likes to read and I’ll put out one with a book for him. I love to set the table and this adds a nice little touch but it doesn’t look cluttered. I do something similar at Christmas with a little collection of Christmasy Victorian houses I got at another thrift shop. Sometimes I’ll lean up a little placecard on each figurine to help people find their seats. It adds a fun touch and is a bit of an icebreaker. Thank you for your videos. I enjoy every one. Somehow you have the gift of pulling everything together. You have a nice collection of things too, but are able to do it all without all the displays looking cluttered. I am trying to learn how to do that from you. I hope you and your family are hanging in there with your recent loss. Please take a break if you need to. We’ll be here when you come back. God bless your family at this difficult time.

[@elizabethhealey5609]

I love your house is beautiful , and also Linda i'm sou sorry for you loss. You have my condolences and you and your family😭 . Thank you to share you beautiful house❤❤❤❤

[@deberabaileyschroer1637]

Condolences to your family.

[@crtreasures14]

Love it. Your very talented i miss having a home to be able to entertain in. Looks beautiful enjoy your channel thanks for sharing ❤

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you so much!

[@roseofsharin]

So sorry for your loss, Linda. And that was a nice thing you did for your husband.

[@LoriSkees]

So sorry for your loss. Please take whatever time you need to take care of you and your family. Loved seeing you able to entertain in your beautiful home. Take care!

[@annwilliams9214]

My sincere sympathy on your loss. May the love of family and friends comfort you as you grieve their passing and celebrate their homecoming.

[@andrewmagnussen8218]

You should stacks of cocktail napkins,and coasters,spread out every where,there will be plenty of water maks every every where and plenty of bar twoels near al the containers of food.

[@newenglandfineliving]

They were there 😉

[@erinluke2913]

The house looks beautiful! Love those onion lamps and learned something new about those bulbs. Your doggie stills the show every time!

[@stephm281]

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Willow is one lucky pup. Thankyou for sharing your home.

[@AngelicaHayward-de5sn]

So sorry for your loss. I love everything about your home, so cozy!

[@kaysmith7684]

So sorry for your loss, Linda. You did a fabulous job as always with your decorating. I had a bat come into my house once. Entered through the fireplace chimney. I was able to coax it out by opening the door out to the deck and standing outside behind the door, I tapped on the glass in the door. I was trying to imitate the sound of a bug flying against the glass. He honed in on it quickly and out the door he flew. I'm glad you weren't frightened by the bat.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Good idea with the tapping

[@pamelakimmons9209]

Perfect planning makes for a delightful and easy gathering. Linda, You are an inspiration in all that you do. The little dogs were probably knife rests for the table. I can imagine a lovely hunting lodge with a table prepared for a wonderful meal after the hunt.

[@joyceschneider8377]

So sorry for your loss. Family comes first. Be safe and thank you for all you do, teach us etc.

[@cellison9414]

Your home is lovely - you've done an outstanding job designing and decorating, its coming together beautifully. I consider a bat in the house good luck - a bird, not so good. The whale is perfect, love it with the lanterns - great idea! My condolences on the loss of your family member. Thank you, Linda.

[@janeclancey8044]

Sending deepest sympathy for your loss. I’m sure Ben and friends were all happy with the food and drinks you prepared for them. Your home looks beautiful and certainly is the perfect place to entertain for any occasion. Thanks again for sharing this video.

[@patriciacaughey5122]

I am very sorry for your loss. Your home is comfy and quaint. You put out a nice spread for Ben's club. Thank you.

[@rneustel388]

So sorry for your loss and hugs to you and your family. Thanks for sharing this update tour-everything looks beautiful-the entire house and gardens are a tribute to you and all your hard work! Willow’s life looks like my miniature schnauzer’s. It it was only so easy for us. I hope you have a good week! 😘

[@lesliepowell6471]

You are amazing ! So calm and so organized! Wow! Looked lovely. Your home is so inviting. Prayers for you and your family.

[@jean2927]

Sorry for your family bereavement Linda… Lovely video, the lamps are gorgeous in The Tavern….The Bat, how interesting you know that’s a sign of transition?… The garden is looking so pretty & all your rooms are so interesting to view… & ‘ That Willow’ she just melts my heart, always a great watch, thank you..😊

[@brendaw53]

I’m very sorry for your loss… I love the lanterns! Your hard work shows and everything looks amazing! Thanks for posting!

[@pattymccoy2866]

Your home is so lovely and welcoming. So very sorry for your loss! ❤

[@barbaradzitko1826]

Linda, you are so handy, efficient, and competent. Everything in the house looks great. Love Roxy and the onion lights in the tavern.

[@dickorcheriemaynard6056]

Great video!..Love your home and all y'all have done. Willow is the Queen! So sorry for you and your family's loss. Thanks for the tour.

[@karenalford2366]

First and foremost I’m so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Second, can’t believe you got such a good video of the bat! Yikes! Lol. And 3rd, I love everything about your home. I find myself shopping for some of the same things you have. Your living room colors are gorgeous! I love the green book cases with the color sofa and chairs. I don’t have the imagination that you do, so watching your videos has helped me immensely and I look forward to seeing them on Sundays!

[@cynthiasirois8295]

Linda ….the house looks really great and I’m sure the guys had a wonderful time. I just had about 20 family members over for a get together and even though it’s a lot of work, it’s nice to be all together. I had to laugh because many years ago when my kids were little, I had a bat in the house, and I was very afraid of the bat!! Even now when I think about it, it gives me the willies! Willow looks so cute and she does appear to have a very nice and peaceful life. So sorry for the loss of your family member. Thanks for sharing with us… patiently awaiting your next wonderful video!🦋🌷🌹🌻🌺

[@maryjanesheppard]

So sorry to hear of your family's loss, wishing you peace & comfort.

[@rosemarydale9398]

Sorry for your loss and hope you find peace and comfort at this time.. from Ireland ☘️

[@victoriasicilian4573]

Linda, I am sorry for your loss. Sugarwood is lovely and inviting. Ben's guests I am sure were very comfortable and well fed! And once again your progject of Onion Lights is inspurational!

[@traceyhudson5883]

My condolences on your family's loss. Like you, I've had panicked bats in the house, which is terrifying. I have learned the safest way to catch and release them- Wearing heavy gloves, you toss up a large bath towel into their flight path- they become entangled in the towel & fall softly to the floor, where you quickly toss another large towel over the first, gather up all edges and gingerly take the bundle outdoors. Brave souls might unwrap the towels to release the intruder.. but in my experience, they find their way out. It works every time!

[@hopehayes9127]

Hello Linda! Your home is looking beautiful. My deepest sympathy for your loss.❤

[@shinypenny1927]

Absolutely lovely. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. I have a passion for Colonial decor and traditions. I also loved your little dog place settings story. I had no idea, however, I love terriers, and have had a few of the breed of the years and your story has inspired me to consider collecting the terrier breeds as a memorial to my pet terriers from the past. God bless you and your family in a beautiful week.

[@rosepaetzke2933]

Prayers for you and your family with your loss.❤ Your home and gardens are always so beautiful ❣️ I am quite certain the gentlemen enjoyed their time and all of the work you did to make it a perfect event 💝

[@myhappynest6125]

What a fun video. The bat in the house would have totally freaked me out though. I loved the music you were playing while the bat’s flying around your kitchen. Made me laugh. Linda you are such a good wife to work so hard for Ben’s cigar party. My husband is a member of a very nice cigar club where we live. I’m happy when he can gather there with his friends and enjoy a nice cigar. Oh, I love your onion lamps and the battery light bulbs. I have a beautiful antique brass ships lantern. I’m going to see if I could use one of those bulbs in it. Thanks for all your videos. I never miss😍

[@karellarsen939]

I’m so sorry for your loss! Prayers for your family. I love your your onion lamps. They are perfect where you placed then! Linda I am loving your home so much! Everything is so perfect! ❤

[@Dawn-pe5to]

So sorry for your family's loss. Thank you for taking the time to put out this video in the midst of hardship. You created a very welcoming environment for Ben to entertain his friends. BTW the gardens are lovely.

[@judydahl1683]

Your home is beautiful, warm, and cozy. It is perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you so much!

[@LadyCourtney13]

So sorry for your loss, its never easy. Sending virtual hugs! Loved the vlog, everything looked great, and the food, YUM!

[@noncompliance1922]

My sympathy to you and your family. Also your home is beautiful as always!

[@reginaray3820]

So sorry for your loss! Prayers and hugs! Beautiful set up!

[@amyhilger2919]

Lovely video Linda, thank you! So very sorry for your loss.❤